Edgar Filing: CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP

Document

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)


x	QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2018


o	TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from to

Commission file number 1-13883

CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)



Delaware		77-0448994
(State or other jurisdiction		(I.R.S. Employer identification No.)
of incorporation or organization)



1720 North First Street, San Jose, CA		95112
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip Code)

408-367-8200

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Not Applicable

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ý No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ý No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company,” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):



Large accelerated Filer x		Accelerated filer o

Non-accelerated filer o		Smaller reporting company o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)		Emerging growth company o

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act) Yes o No x

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date. Common shares outstanding as of June 30, 2018 — 48,070,000

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TABLE OF CONTENTS



	Page
PART I Financial Information	3
Item 1 Financial Statements	3
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited) as of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017	3
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited) For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2018 and 2017	4
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited) For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 and 2017	5
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 and 2017	6
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	7
Item 2 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	27
Item 3 Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk	38
Item 4 Controls and Procedures	38
PART II Other Information	39
Item 1 Legal Proceedings	39
Item 1A Risk Factors	39
Item 5 Other Information	39
Item 6 Exhibits	40
Signatures	41

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PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The condensed consolidated financial statements presented in this filing on Form 10-Q have been prepared by management and are unaudited.

CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

Unaudited (In thousands, except per share data)



	June 30, 2018			December 31, 2017
ASSETS
Utility plant:
Utility plant	$	3,094,616		$	2,970,179
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(964,352		)	(922,214		)
Net utility plant	2,130,264			2,047,965
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	33,668			94,776
Receivables:
Customers	44,700			32,451
Regulatory balancing accounts	33,257			36,783
Other	19,859			16,464
Unbilled revenue	36,192			29,756
Materials and supplies at weighted average cost	6,714			6,463
Taxes, prepaid expenses, and other assets	15,180			11,180
Total current assets	189,570			227,873
Other assets:
Regulatory assets	405,297			401,147
Goodwill	2,615			2,615
Other assets	61,768			60,775
Total other assets	469,680			464,537
TOTAL ASSETS	$	2,789,514		$	2,740,375
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES
Capitalization:
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 68,000 shares authorized, 48,070 and 48,012 outstanding in 2018 and 2017, respectively	$	481		$	480
Additional paid-in capital	336,238			336,229
Retained earnings	349,213			356,753
Total common stockholders’ equity	685,932			693,462
Long-term debt, less current maturities	414,530			515,793
Total capitalization	1,100,462			1,209,255
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt	105,024			15,920
Short-term borrowings	325,100			275,100
Accounts payable	93,032			93,955
Regulatory balancing accounts	56,317			59,303
Accrued interest	5,751			6,122
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	37,076			40,559
Total current liabilities	622,300			490,959
Unamortized investment tax credits	1,724			1,724
Deferred income taxes	196,109			192,946
Pension and postretirement benefits other than pensions	256,431			252,141
Regulatory liabilities and other	238,912			224,127
Advances for construction	185,286			182,502
Contributions in aid of construction	188,290			186,721
Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)
TOTAL CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES	$	2,789,514		$	2,740,375

See Accompanying Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

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CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

Unaudited (In thousands, except per share data)



For the three months ended	June 30, 2018			June 30, 2017
Operating revenue	$	172,632		$	171,132
Operating expenses:
Operations:
Water production costs	65,373			64,131
Administrative and general	24,383			21,413
Other operations	20,724			18,328
Maintenance	5,389			4,708
Depreciation and amortization	20,953			19,218
Income taxes	4,347			10,606
Property and other taxes	6,407			6,057
Total operating expenses	147,576			144,461
Net operating income	25,056			26,671
Other income and expenses:
Non-regulated revenue	4,845			3,739
Non-regulated expenses	(6,115		)	(1,614		)
Other components of net periodic benefit cost	(2,463		)	(2,383		)
Allowance for equity funds used during construction	710			879
Income tax benefit (expense) on other income and expenses	819			(246		)
Net other (loss) income	(2,204		)	375
Interest expense:
Interest expense	10,134			9,079
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction	(304		)	(564		)
Net interest expense	9,830			8,515
Net income	$	13,022		$	18,531
Earnings per share:
Basic	$	0.27		$	0.39
Diluted	0.27			0.39
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic	48,073			48,020
Diluted	48,073			48,020
Dividends declared per share of common stock	$	0.1875		$	0.1800

See Accompanying Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

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CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

Unaudited (In thousands, except per share data)



For the six months ended	June 30, 2018			June 30, 2017
Operating revenue	$	304,879		$	293,168
Operating expenses:
Operations:
Water production costs	112,979			106,199
Administrative and general	50,702			44,159
Other operations	38,364			34,452
Maintenance	10,828			10,820
Depreciation and amortization	41,668			38,419
Income taxes	4,118			9,722
Property and other taxes	13,111			12,173
Total operating expenses	271,770			255,944
Net operating income	33,109			37,224
Other income and expenses:
Non-regulated revenue	9,264			7,201
Non-regulated expenses	(11,552		)	(3,668		)
Other components of net periodic benefit cost	(5,009		)	(4,886		)
Allowance for equity funds used during construction	1,621			1,658
Income tax benefit (expense) on other income and expenses	1,577			(1,135		)
Net other loss	(4,099		)	(830		)
Interest expense:
Interest expense	19,332			17,789
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction	(799		)	(1,058		)
Net interest expense	18,533			16,731
Net income	$	10,477		$	19,663
Earnings per share:
Basic	$	0.22		$	0.41
Diluted	0.22			0.41
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic	48,051			48,002
Diluted	48,051			48,002
Dividends declared per share of common stock	$	0.3750		$	0.3600

See Accompanying Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

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CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

Unaudited (In thousands)



For the six months ended:	June 30, 2018			June 30, 2017
Operating activities:
Net income	$	10,477		$	19,663
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	42,582			39,328
Change in value of life insurance contracts	817			(1,208		)
Allowance for equity funds used during construction	(1,621		)	(1,658		)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Receivables and unbilled revenue	(14,431		)	(35,533		)
Accounts payable	6,417			3,242
Other current assets	(4,207		)	(7,048		)
Other current liabilities	(4,168		)	(747		)
Other changes in noncurrent assets and liabilities	13,705			19,687
Net cash provided by operating activities	49,571			35,726
Investing activities:
Utility plant expenditures	(133,900		)	(108,712		)
Life insurance proceeds	2,054			450
Purchase of life insurance contracts	(2,054		)	(1,216		)
Net cash used in investing activities	(133,900		)	(109,478		)
Financing activities:
Short-term borrowings	111,000			140,000
Repayment of short-term borrowings	(61,000		)	(47,000		)
Repayment of long-term debt	(12,264		)	(2,407		)
Advances and contributions in aid of construction	8,385			10,312
Refunds of advances for construction	(3,498		)	(4,430		)
Repurchase of common stock	(1,364		)	(1,236		)
Dividends paid	(18,017		)	(17,278		)
Net cash provided by financing activities	23,242			77,961
Change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	(61,087		)	4,209
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period	95,352			25,935
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period	$	34,265		$	30,144
Supplemental information:
Cash paid for interest (net of amounts capitalized)	$	17,344		$	15,932
Income tax refund	—			$	(1,697	)
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash activities:
Accrued payables for investments in utility plant	$	30,696		$	28,494
Utility plant contribution by developers	8,653			7,212

See Accompanying Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

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CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

June 30, 2018

Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated

Note 1. Organization and Operations and Basis of Presentation

California Water Service Group (the Company) is a holding company that provides water utility and other related services in California, Washington, New Mexico and Hawaii through its wholly-owned subsidiaries. California Water Service Company (Cal Water), Washington Water Service Company (Washington Water), New Mexico Water Service Company (New Mexico Water), and Hawaii Water Service Company, Inc. (Hawaii Water) provide regulated utility services under the rules and regulations of their respective state’s regulatory commissions (jointly referred to herein as the Commissions). CWS Utility Services and HWS Utility Services LLC provide non-regulated water utility and utility-related services.

The Company operates in one reportable segment, providing water and related utility services.

Basis of Presentation

The unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial information has been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) for interim financial information and in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and therefore do not contain all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP and the SEC for annual financial statements. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017, included in its annual report on Form 10-K as filed with the SEC on March 1, 2018.

The preparation of the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the balance sheet dates and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses for the periods presented. These include, but are not limited to, estimates and assumptions used in determining the Company’s regulatory asset and liability balances based upon probability assessments of regulatory recovery, revenues earned but not yet billed, asset retirement obligations, allowance for doubtful accounts, pension and other employee benefit plan liabilities, and income tax-related assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring transactions that are necessary to provide a fair presentation of the results for the periods covered. The results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results for any future period.

Due to the seasonal nature of the water business, the results for interim periods are not indicative of the results for a 12-month period. Revenue and income are generally higher in the warm, dry summer months when water usage and sales are greater. Revenue and income are generally lower in the winter months when cooler temperatures and rainfall curtail water usage and sales.

Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Operating revenue

The following tables disaggregate the Company’s operating revenue by source for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2018 and 2017:



	Three Months Ended June 30
	2018		2017
Revenue from contracts with customers	$	171,772	$	162,593
Regulatory balancing account revenue	860		8,539
Total operating revenue	$	172,632	$	171,132

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	Six Months Ended June 30
	2018			2017
Revenue from contracts with customers	$	306,026		$	275,405
Regulatory balancing account revenue	(1,147		)	17,763
Total operating revenue	$	304,879		$	293,168

Revenue from contracts with customers

The Company principally generates operating revenue from contracts with customers by providing regulated water and wastewater services at tariff-rates authorized by the Commissions in the states in which they operate and non-regulated water and wastewater services at rates authorized by contracts with government agencies. Revenue from contracts with customers reflects amounts billed for the volume of consumption at authorized per unit rates, for a service charge, and for other authorized charges.

The Company satisfies its performance obligation to provide water and wastewater services over time as services are rendered. The Company applies the invoice practical expedient and recognizes revenue from contracts with customers in the amount for which the Company has a right to invoice. The Company has a right to invoice for the volume of consumption, for the service charge, and for other authorized charges.

The measurement of sales to customers is generally based on the reading of their meters, which occurs on a systematic basis throughout the month. At the end of each month, the Company estimates consumption since the date of the last meter reading and a corresponding unbilled revenue is recognized. The estimate is based upon the number of unbilled days that month and the average daily customer billing rate from the previous month (which fluctuates based upon customer usage).

Contract terms are generally short-term and at will by customers and, as a result, no separate financing component is recognized for the Company's collections from customers, which generally require payment within 30 days of billing. The Company applies judgment, based principally on historical payment experience, in estimating its customers’ ability to pay.

Certain customers are not billed for volumetric consumption, but are instead billed a flat rate at the beginning of each monthly service period. The amount billed is initially deferred and subsequently recognized over the monthly service period, as the performance obligation is satisfied. The deferred revenue balance, which is included in "accrued expenses and other liabilities" on the consolidated balance sheets, is inconsequential.

In the following tables, revenue from contracts with customers is disaggregated by class of customers for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2018 and 2017:



	Three Months Ended June 30
	2018		2017
Residential	$	109,849	$	102,171
Business	32,125		29,543
Industrial	7,941		6,408
Public authorities	8,251		7,874
Other	13,606		16,597
Total revenue from contracts with customers	$	171,772	$	162,593



	Six Months Ended June 30
	2018		2017
Residential	$	201,167	$	178,036
Business	59,182		51,569
Industrial	15,520		13,363
Public authorities	13,695		12,020
Other	16,462		20,417
Total revenue from contracts with customers	$	306,026	$	275,405

Regulatory balancing account revenue

The Company’s ability to recover revenue requirements authorized by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) in its triennial General Rate Case (GRC), is decoupled from the volume of the sales. Regulatory balancing account revenue

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is revenue related to rate mechanisms authorized in California by the CPUC, which allow the Company to recover the authorized revenue and are not considered contracts with customers.

The Water Revenue Adjustment Mechanism (WRAM) allows the Company to recognize the adopted level of volumetric revenues. The variance between adopted volumetric revenues and actual billed volumetric revenues for metered accounts is recorded as regulatory balancing account revenue.

Cost-recovery rates, such as the Modified Cost Balancing Account (MCBA), provide for recovery of the adopted levels of expenses for purchased water, purchased power, pump taxes, water conservation program costs and certain other operating expenses. Variances between adopted and actual costs are recorded as regulatory balancing account revenue.

Each district's WRAM and MCBA regulatory assets and liabilities are allowed to be netted against one another. The Company recognizes regulatory balancing account revenues that have been authorized for rate recovery, are objectively determinable and probable of recovery, and are expected to be collected within 24 months. To the extent that regulatory balancing account revenue is estimated to be collectible beyond 24 months, recognition is deferred.

Non-regulated Revenue

The following tables disaggregate the Company’s non-regulated revenue by source for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2018 and 2017:



	Three Months Ended June 30
	2018		2017
Operating and maintenance revenue	$	2,297	$	2,053
Other non-regulated revenue	1,981		1,178
Non-regulated revenue from contracts with customers	$	4,278	$	3,231
Lease revenue	$	567	$	508
Total non-regulated revenue	$	4,845	$	3,739



	Six Months Ended June 30
	2018		2017
Operating and maintenance revenue	$	5,462	$	3,966
Other non-regulated revenue	2,724		2,220
Non-regulated revenue from contracts with customers	$	8,186	$	6,186
Lease revenue	$	1,078	$	1,015
Total non-regulated revenue	$	9,264	$	7,201

Operating and maintenance services are provided for non-regulated water and wastewater systems owned by private companies and municipalities. The Company negotiates formal agreements with the customers, under which they provide operating, maintenance and customer billing services related to the customers’ water system. The formal agreements outline the fee schedule for the services provided. The agreements typically call for a fee-per-service or a flat-rate amount per month. The Company satisfies its performance obligation of providing operating and maintenance services over time as services are rendered; as a result, the Company employs the invoice practical expedient and recognizes revenue in the amount that it has the right to invoice. Contract terms are generally short-term and, as a result, no separate financing component is recognized for its collections from customers, which generally require payment within 30 days of billing.

Other non-regulated revenue primarily relates to services for the design and installation of water mains and other water infrastructure for customers outside the regulated service areas and insurance program administration. Other non-regulated revenue is inconsequential.

The Company is the lessor in operating lease agreements with telecommunications companies under which cellular phone antennas are placed on the Company's property. Lease revenue is not considered revenue from contracts with customers and is recognized following current operating lease standards.

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Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash

The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash within the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets that sum to the total of the same such amounts shown on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows:



	June 30, 2018		December 31, 2017
Cash and cash equivalents	33,668		94,776
Restricted cash (included in "taxes, prepaid expenses and other assets")	597		576
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in the statements of cash flows	$	34,265	$	95,352

Adoption of New Accounting Standards

In May of 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (codified in ASC 606), which amends the existing revenue recognition guidance. The Company completed an evaluation of the new revenue standard and implemented the standard on January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective method for all contracts. The reported results for the first three and six months of 2018 reflect the application of ASC 606 guidance, while prior period amounts were not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with the accounting standards in effect for those periods. Other than increased disclosures regarding revenues related to contracts with customers, the implementation did not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements (see "Operating Revenue" section of note 2 above).

In August of 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) - Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. This update adds and clarifies guidance on the classification of certain cash receipts and payments in the statement of cash flows. The Company will continue to classify proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims on the basis of the nature of the loss and from the settlement of Company-owned life insurance policies as cash inflows on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The Company implemented the standard on January 1, 2018 and retrospectively applied the standard in the comparative period. The standard does not have a significant impact to the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In November of 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) - Restricted Cash. The update requires the Company to combine restricted cash with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning and end of period balances in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The Company implemented the standard on January 1, 2018 and retrospectively applied the standard in the comparative period.

The following table shows the effect of the accounting change to the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows:



	Six Months Ended June 30, 2017
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows line item	As Reported on Form 10-Q			Adjusted Balance on Form 10-Q			Increase (Decrease) from Retrospective Adoption
Change in restricted cash	$	(598	)	$	—		$	598
Net cash used in investing activities	$	(110,076	)	$	(109,478	)	$	598
Change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	$	3,611		$	4,209		$	598
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period	$	25,492		$	25,935		$	443
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period	$	29,103		$	30,144		$	1,041

In March of 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost. The update requires employers to present the service cost component of the net periodic benefit cost in the same income statement line item as other employee compensation costs arising from services rendered during the period. The other components of net benefit cost, including interest cost, expected return on plan assets, amortization of prior service cost/credit and actuarial gain/loss, and settlement and curtailment effects, are to be presented as non-operating items. In addition, the standard only allows the service cost component to be eligible for capitalization.

The standard became effective as of January 1, 2018. The presentation amendments were applied retrospectively and the capitalization amendments were applied prospectively on and after the effective date. The Company applied the practical expedient that permits the Company to use the amounts disclosed in its pension and other postretirement benefit plan footnote from the prior comparative periods as the estimation basis for applying the retrospective presentation

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requirements. The Commissions have authorized the Company to recover the other components of net periodic benefit cost through the Company’s capital program and thus on and after the effective date, the other components of net periodic benefit cost that have previously been recorded as part of utility plant have been recognized as a regulatory asset (see note 9). As a result, the changes required by the standard did not have a material impact on the results of operations.

The following tables show the effect of the accounting change to the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2017:



	Three Months Ended June 30, 2017
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income line item	As Reported on Form 10-Q			Adjusted Balance on Form 10-Q			Increase (Decrease) from Retrospective Adoption
Administrative and general	$	23,796		$	21,413		$	(2,383	)
Income taxes	$	9,635		$	10,606		$	971
Total operating expenses	$	145,873		$	144,461		$	(1,412	)
Net operating income	$	25,259		$	26,671		$	1,412
Other components of net periodic benefit cost	$	—		$	(2,383	)	$	2,383
Income tax expense on other income and expense	$	(1,217	)	$	(246	)	$	971
Net other income	$	1,787		$	375		$	(1,412	)



	Six Months Ended June 30, 2017
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income line item	As Reported on Form 10-Q			Adjusted Balance on Form 10-Q			Increase (Decrease) from Retrospective Adoption
Administrative and general	$	49,045		$	44,159		$	(4,886	)
Income taxes	$	8,751		$	9,722		$	971
Total operating expenses	$	259,859		$	255,944		$	(3,915	)
Net operating income	$	33,309		$	37,224		$	3,915
Other components of net periodic benefit cost	$	—		$	(4,886	)	$	4,886
Income tax expense on other income and expense	$	(2,106	)	$	(1,135	)	$	971
Net other income	$	3,085		$	(830	)	$	(3,915	)

New Accounting Standards Issued But Not Yet Adopted

In February of 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases, which amends the guidance relating to the definition of a lease, recognition of lease assets and liabilities on the balance sheet, and the related disclosure requirements. In November of 2017, the FASB tentatively decided to amend the new leasing guidance such that entities may elect not to restate their comparative periods in the period of adoption. The guidance requires lessees to recognize an asset and liability on the balance sheet for all of their lease obligations. Operating leases were previously not recognized on the balance sheet. ASU 2016-02 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and early adoption is permitted. The Company will adopt the standard using the modified retrospective method for its existing leases and expects this standard to increase lease assets and lease liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company intends to elect certain practical expedients and will carry forward historical conclusions related to (1) contracts that contain leases, (2) existing lease classification for any expired or existing leases, and (3) initial direct costs for any existing leases. The Company will also apply the practical expedient that will allow the Company to elect, as an accounting policy, by asset class, to include both lease and nonlease components as a single component and account for it as a lease. The Company will apply the short-term lease exception for lessees which will allow the Company to not have to apply the recognition requirements of the new leasing guidance for short-term leases and to recognize lease payments in net income on a straight line basis over the lease term. The Company does not expect that the guidance will have a material impact on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income, Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and lease disclosures.

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Note 3. Stock-based Compensation

Equity Incentive Plan

During the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, the Company granted annual Restricted Stock Awards (RSAs) of 46,135 and 48,717, respectively, to officers and directors of the Company. During those same periods, 13,306 RSAs and 14,186 RSAs, respectively, were canceled. During the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, no RSAs were granted and 3,842 RSAs and 3,284 RSAs, respectively, were canceled. RSAs granted to officers vest over 36 months with the first year cliff vesting. RSAs granted to directors generally vest at the end of 12 months. During the first six months of 2018 and 2017, the RSAs granted were valued at $35.40 and $36.75 per share, respectively, based upon the fair value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant.

During the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, the Company granted 28,594 and 31,389 performance-based Restricted Stock Unit Awards (RSUs), respectively, to officers. During those same periods, the Company issued 48,753 RSUs and 38,709 RSUs, respectively, to officers, and canceled 24,009 RSUs and 19,735 RSUs, respectively. During the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, the Company did not grant, issue or cancel any RSUs. Each RSU award reflects a target number of shares that may be issued to the award recipient. The 2018 and 2017 awards may be earned upon completion of the three-year performance period and are recognized as expense ratably over the period using a fair value of $35.40 per share and $36.75 per share, respectively, and an estimate of RSUs earned during the period. The Company has recorded compensation costs for the RSAs and RSUs in administrative and general operating expenses in the amount of $1.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017.

Note 4. Equity

The Company’s changes in total common stockholders’ equity for the six months ended June 30, 2018 were as follows:



	Total Common Stockholders’ Equity
Balance at December 31, 2017	$	693,462
Common stock issued	1
Share-based compensation expense	1,373
Repurchase of common stock	(1,364		)
Common stock dividends declared	(18,017		)
Net income	10,477
Balance at June 30, 2018	$	685,932

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Note 5. Earnings Per Share

The computations of basic and diluted earnings per share are noted in the table below. Basic earnings per share are computed by dividing the net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts were exercised or converted into common stock. RSAs are included in the weighted average common shares outstanding because the shares have all the same voting and dividend rights as issued and unrestricted common stock. RSUs are not included in diluted shares for financial reporting until authorized by the Organization & Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors.



	Three Months Ended June 30
	2018		2017
	(In thousands, except per share data)
Net income available to common stockholders	$	13,022	$	18,531
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic	48,073		48,020
Weighted average common shares outstanding, dilutive	48,073		48,020
Earnings per share - basic	$	0.27	$	0.39
Earnings per share - diluted	$	0.27	$	0.39



	Six Months Ended June 30
	2018		2017
	(In thousands, except per share data)
Net income available to common stockholders	$	10,477	$	19,663
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic	48,051		48,002
Weighted average common shares outstanding, dilutive	48,051		48,002
Earnings per share - basic	$	0.22	$	0.41
Earnings per share - diluted	$	0.22	$	0.41

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Note 6. Pension Plan and Other Postretirement Benefits

The Company provides a qualified, defined-benefit, non-contributory pension plan for substantially all employees. The Company makes annual contributions to fund the amounts accrued for in the qualified pension plan. The Company also maintains an unfunded, non-qualified, supplemental executive retirement plan. The costs of the plans are charged to expense or are capitalized in utility plant as appropriate.

The Company offers medical, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits for retirees and their spouses and dependents. Participants are required to pay a premium, which offsets a portion of the cost.

Cash contributions by the Company related to pension plans were $16.0 million and $14.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Cash contributions by the Company related to other postretirement benefit plans were $2.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and no cash contributions were made for the six months ended June 30, 2017. The total 2018 estimated cash contribution to the pension plans is $33.4 million and to the other postretirement benefit plans is $10.1 million.

The following table lists components of net periodic benefit costs for the pension plans and other postretirement benefits. The data listed under “pension plan” includes the qualified pension plan and the non-qualified supplemental executive retirement plan. The data listed under “other benefits” is for all other postretirement benefits.



	Three Months Ended June 30
	Pension Plan						Other Benefits
	2018			2017			2018			2017
Service cost	$	7,402		$	5,865		$	2,550		$	2,019
Interest cost	5,995			5,791			1,484			1,491
Expected return on plan assets	(6,862		)	(6,029		)	(1,416		)	(1,218		)
Amortization of prior service cost	1,263			1,445			11			11
Recognized net actuarial loss	2,797			1,752			773			649
Net periodic benefit cost	$	10,595		$	8,824		$	3,402		$	2,952



	Six Months Ended June 30
	Pension Plan						Other Benefits
	2018			2017			2018			2017
Service cost	$	14,804		$	11,730		$	5,100		$	4,038
Interest cost	11,989			11,581			2,969			2,982
Expected return on plan assets	(13,725		)	(12,058		)	(2,832		)	(2,436		)
Amortization of prior service cost	2,526			2,890			21			22
Recognized net actuarial loss	5,595			3,504			1,547			1,298
Net periodic benefit cost	$	21,189		$	17,647		$	6,805		$	5,904

Service cost portion of the pension plan and other postretirement benefits is recognized in administrative and general within the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. Other components of net periodic benefit costs include interest costs, expected return on plan assets, amortization of prior service costs, and recognized net actuarial loss and are reported together as other components of net periodic benefit costs within the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (see note 2).

Note 7. Short-term and Long-term Borrowings

Both short-term unsecured credit agreements contain affirmative and negative covenants and events of default customary for credit facilities of this type including, among other things, limitations and prohibitions relating to additional indebtedness, liens, mergers, and asset sales. Also, these unsecured credit agreements contain financial covenants governing the Company and its subsidiaries’ consolidated total capitalization ratio and interest coverage ratio.

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The outstanding borrowings on the Company lines of credit were $55.1 million as of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017. There were $270.0 million and $220.0 million borrowings on the Cal Water lines of credit as of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. The average borrowing rate for borrowings on the Company and Cal Water lines of credit during the six months ended June 30, 2018 was 2.72% compared to 1.82% for the same period last year.

Note 8. Income Taxes

The Company adjusts its effective tax rate each quarter to be consistent with the estimated annual effective tax rate. The Company also records the tax effect of unusual or infrequently occurring discrete items.

The provision for income taxes is shown in the tables below:



	Three Months Ended June 30
	2018		2017
Income tax expense	$	3,527	$	10,852



	Six Months Ended June 30
	2018		2017
Income tax expense	$	2,540	$	10,857

The income tax expense decreased $7.3 million to $3.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018 as compared to the three months ended June 30, 2017 mostly due to the federal income tax rate reduction from 35% to 21%, effective January 1, 2018, and a decrease in operating income.

The income tax expense decreased $8.3 million to $2.5 million in the first six months of 2018, as compared to $10.9 million in the first six months of 2017. The decrease was mainly due to the federal income tax rate reduction from 35% to 21%, effective January 1, 2018, and a decrease in operating income.

The Company's 2018 effective tax rate, before discrete items, is estimated to be in the range from 23% to 25%.

For year ended December 31, 2017, the Company recorded a provisional re-measurement of its deferred tax balances (related mostly to timing differences for plant-related items) which was offset by a change from a net deferred income tax regulatory asset to a net regulatory liability. The Company is continuing to work with state regulators to finalize the customer net refund of $108.0 million to ensure compliance with federal normalization rules.

The final transition impacts of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) may differ from the recorded amounts, possibly materially, due to, among other things, regulatory decisions that could differ from the Company’s determination of how the impacts of the TCJA are allocated between customers and shareholders. In addition, while the Company was able to make reasonable estimates of the impact of the reduction in federal tax rate and the elimination of bonus depreciation due to the enactment of the TCJA; the Company has not completed analysis for areas of the TCJA around Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m), full expensing of fixed assets, and other asset related items of the TCJA. Changes in interpretations, guidance on legislative intent, and any changes in accounting standards for income taxes in response to the TCJA could impact the recorded amounts. The Company will finalize and record any adjustments related to the TCJA within the one year measurement period provided under Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118. The balances relating to TCJA impact continue to be provisional as of June 30, 2018.

The Company had unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $11.5 million and $10.2 million as of June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Included in the balance of unrecognized tax benefits as of June 30, 2018 and 2017 are approximately $2.2 million and $2.3 million, respectively, of tax benefits that, if recognized, would result in an adjustment to the Company’s effective tax rate. The Company does not expect its unrecognized tax benefits to change significantly within the next 12 months.

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Note 9. Regulatory Assets and Liabilities

Regulatory assets and liabilities were comprised of the following as of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017:



	June 30, 2018		December 31, 2017
Regulatory Assets
Pension and retiree group health	$	213,920	$	214,249
Property-related temporary differences (tax benefits flowed through to customers)	87,988		87,323
Other accrued benefits	28,741		28,251
Net WRAM and MCBA long-term accounts receivable	32,892		34,879
Asset retirement obligations, net	17,824		17,126
Interim rates long-term accounts receivable	4,568		4,568
Tank coating	11,467		10,998
Health care balancing account	442		496
Pension balancing account	5,136		2,322
Other components of net periodic benefit cost	1,754		—
Other regulatory assets	565		935
Total Regulatory Assets	$	405,297	$	401,147

Regulatory Liabilities
Future tax benefits due to customers	$	168,384	$	168,343
Health care balancing account	11,127		7,749
Conservation program	4,531		2,273
Pension balancing account	13		364
Net WRAM and MCBA long-term payable	938		513
Tax accounting memorandum account	4,767		—
Cost of capital memorandum account	2,834		—
Other regulatory liabilities	161		464
Total Regulatory Liabilities	$	192,755	$	179,706

Short-term regulatory assets and liabilities are excluded from the above table.

The short-term regulatory assets were $33.3 million as of June 30, 2018 and $36.8 million as of December 31, 2017. As of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the short-term regulatory assets primarily consist of net WRAM and MCBA receivables.

The short-term portions of regulatory liabilities were $56.3 million as of June 30, 2018 and $59.3 million as of December 31, 2017. The short-term regulatory liabilities as of June 30, 2018, primarily consist of 1,2,3 trichloropropane (TCP) settlement proceeds. As of December 31, 2017, the short-term regulatory liabilities primarily consist of TCP settlement proceeds and net WRAM and MCBA liability balances.

The tax accounting and cost of capital memorandum account regulatory liabilities are related to the estimated customer refunds due to changes in the federal income tax rate and to the cost of capital decision for Cal Water.

The other components of net periodic benefit cost regulatory asset are authorized by the Commissions and are probable for rate recovery through the capital program (see Note 2).

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Note 10. Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments

The Company has significant commitments to lease certain office spaces and water systems and to purchase water from water wholesalers. These commitments are described in Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.

Effective April 3, 2018, the City of Commerce has renewed a lease agreement for Cal Water to operate the City of Commerce’s water system for the next 15 years. Cal Water has run the City of Commerce water system since 1985 and is responsible for all operations, maintenance, water quality assurance, and customer service programs to provide a reliable supply of water that meets federal and state standards to customers served by the City of Commerce system. The City of Commerce will remain responsible for financing infrastructure improvements and setting its customers’ water rates.

As of June 30, 2018, there were no other significant changes from December 31, 2017.

Contingencies

Groundwater Contamination

The Company has undertaken litigation against third parties to recover past and anticipated costs related to groundwater contamination in our service areas. The cost of litigation is expensed as incurred and any settlement is first offset against such costs. The CPUC’s general policy requires all proceeds from groundwater contamination litigation to be used first to pay transactional expenses, then to make customers whole for water treatment costs to comply with the CPUC’s water quality standards. The CPUC allows for a risk-based consideration of contamination proceeds which exceed the costs of the remediation described above and may result in some sharing of proceeds with the shareholder, determined on a case by case basis. The CPUC has authorized various memorandum accounts that allow the Company to track significant litigation costs to request recovery of these costs in future filings and uses of proceeds to comply with CPUC’s general policy.

Other Legal Matters

From time to time, the Company is involved in various disputes and litigation matters that arise in the ordinary course of business. The status of each significant matter is reviewed and assessed for potential financial exposure. If the potential loss from any claim or legal proceeding is considered probable and the amount of the range of loss can be estimated, a liability is accrued for the estimated loss in accordance with the accounting standards for contingencies. Legal proceedings are subject to uncertainties, and the outcomes are difficult to predict. Because of such uncertainties, accruals are based on the best information available at the time. While the outcome of these disputes and litigation matters cannot be predicted with any certainty, management does not believe when taking into account existing reserves the ultimate resolution of these matters will materially affect the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. As of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company recognized a liability of $3.2 million and $6.1 million, respectively, for known legal matters. The decrease is mainly due to several large claims being resolved in the first six months of 2018. The cost of litigation is expensed as incurred and any settlement is first offset against such costs. Any settlement in excess of the cost to litigate is accounted for on a case by case basis, dependent on the nature of the settlement.

Note 11. Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities

The accounting guidance for fair value measurements and disclosures provides a single definition of fair value and requires certain disclosures about assets and liabilities measured at fair value. A hierarchical framework for disclosing the observability of the inputs utilized in measuring assets and liabilities at fair value is established by this guidance. The three levels in the hierarchy are as follows:

Level 1 - Inputs to the valuation methodology are unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the Plan has the ability to access.

Level 2 - Inputs to the valuation methodology include:


•	Quoted market prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets;


•	Quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets;


•	Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability; and


•	Inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.

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If the asset or liability has a specified (contractual) term, the level 2 input must be observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.

Level 3 - Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.

Specific valuation methods include the following:

Accounts receivable and accounts payable carrying amounts approximated the fair value because of the short-term maturity of the instruments.

Long-term debt fair values were estimated using the published quoted market price, if available, or the discounted cash flow analysis, based on the current rates available using a risk-free rate (a U.S. Treasury securities yield curve) plus a risk premium of 1.70%.

Advances for construction fair values were estimated using broker quotes from companies that frequently purchase these investments.



	June 30, 2018
			Fair Value
	Cost		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Long-term debt, including current maturities	$	519,554	—		$	570,197	—		$	570,197
Advances for construction	185,286		—		77,626		—		77,626
Total	$	704,840	$	—	$	647,823	$	—	$	647,823



	December 31, 2017
			Fair Value
	Cost		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Long-term debt, including current maturities	$	531,713	$	—	$	607,492	$	—	$	607,492
Advances for construction	182,502		—		75,083		—		75,083
Total	$	714,215	—		$	682,575	$	—	$	682,575

Note 12. Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements

On April 17, 2009, Cal Water issued $100.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.875% First Mortgage Bonds due 2019, and on November 17, 2010, Cal Water issued $100.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.500% First Mortgage Bonds due 2040, all of which are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by the Company. As a result of these guarantee arrangements, the Company is required to present the following condensed consolidating financial information. The investments in affiliates are accounted for and presented using the “equity method” of accounting.

The following tables present the Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Condensed Consolidating Statements of Income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, and the Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 of (i) California Water Service Group, the guarantor of the First Mortgage Bonds and the parent company; (ii) California Water Service Company, the issuer of the First Mortgage Bonds and a 100% owned consolidated subsidiary of California Water Service Group; and (iii) the other 100% owned non-guarantor consolidated subsidiaries of California Water Service Group. No other subsidiary of the Company guarantees the securities. The Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 reflect the retrospective adoption of ASU 2016-18 (refer to Note 2 for more details). The Condensed Consolidating Statements of Income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 reflect the retrospective adoption of ASU 2017-07 (refer to Note 2 for more details).

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CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET

As of June 30, 2018

(In thousands)



	Parent Company			Cal Water			All Other Subsidiaries			Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
ASSETS
Utility plant:
Utility plant	$	1,321		$	2,890,709		$	209,783		$	(7,197	)	$	3,094,616
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(966		)	(908,107		)	(57,333		)	2,054			(964,352		)
Net utility plant	355			1,982,602			152,450			(5,143		)	2,130,264
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	2,048			24,494			7,126			—			33,668
Receivables and unbilled revenue	1			129,007			5,000			—			134,008
Receivables from affiliates	23,616			771			207			(24,594		)	—
Other current assets	293			19,812			1,789			—			21,894
Total current assets	25,958			174,084			14,122			(24,594		)	189,570
Other assets:
Regulatory assets	—			401,325			3,972			—			405,297
Investments in affiliates	690,883			—			—			(690,883		)	—
Long-term affiliate notes receivable	25,601			—			—			(25,601		)	—
Other assets	59			60,707			3,821			(204		)	64,383
Total other assets	716,543			462,032			7,793			(716,688		)	469,680
TOTAL ASSETS	$	742,856		$	2,618,718		$	174,365		$	(746,425	)	$	2,789,514
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES
Capitalization:
Common stockholders’ equity	$	685,932		$	618,145		$	77,963		$	(696,108	)	$	685,932
Affiliate long-term debt	—			—			25,601			(25,601		)	—
Long-term debt, less current maturities	—			413,800			730			—			414,530
Total capitalization	685,932			1,031,945			104,294			(721,709		)	1,100,462
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt	—			104,720			304			—			105,024
Short-term borrowings	55,100			270,000			—			—			325,100
Payables to affiliates	—			709			23,885			(24,594		)	—
Accounts payable	—			89,872			3,160			—			93,032
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	69			95,475			3,600			—			99,144
Total current liabilities	55,169			560,776			30,949			(24,594		)	622,300
Unamortized investment tax credits	—			1,724			—			—			1,724
Deferred income taxes	1,755			191,704			2,772			(122		)	196,109
Pension and postretirement benefits other than pensions	—			256,431			—			—			256,431
Regulatory liabilities and other	—			235,289			3,623			—			238,912
Advances for construction	—			184,787			499			—			185,286
Contributions in aid of construction	—			156,062			32,228			—			188,290
TOTAL CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES	$	742,856		$	2,618,718		$	174,365		$	(746,425	)	$	2,789,514

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CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET

As of December 31, 2017

(In thousands)



	Parent Company			Cal Water			All Other Subsidiaries			Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
ASSETS
Utility plant:
Utility plant	$	1,321		$	2,771,259		$	204,795		$	(7,196	)	$	2,970,179
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(919		)	(868,762		)	(54,543		)	2,010			(922,214		)
Net utility plant	402			1,902,497			150,252			(5,186		)	2,047,965
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	4,728			80,940			9,108			—			94,776
Receivables and unbilled revenue	—			110,928			4,526			—			115,454
Receivables from affiliates	19,952			4,093			43			(24,088		)	—
Other current assets	80			16,569			994			—			17,643
Total current assets	24,760			212,530			14,671			(24,088		)	227,873
Other assets:
Regulatory assets	—			397,333			3,814			—			401,147
Investments in affiliates	698,690			—			—			(698,690		)	—
Long-term affiliate notes receivable	26,441			—			—			(26,441		)	—
Other assets	192			59,581			3,822			(205		)	63,390
Total other assets	725,323			456,914			7,636			(725,336		)	464,537
TOTAL ASSETS	$	750,485		$	2,571,941		$	172,559		$	(754,610	)	$	2,740,375
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES
Capitalization:
Common stockholders’ equity	$	693,462		$	626,300		77,647			$	(703,947	)	$	693,462
Affiliate long-term debt	—			—			26,441			(26,441		)	—
Long-term debt, less current maturities	—			514,952			841			—			515,793
Total capitalization	693,462			1,141,252			104,929			(730,388		)	1,209,255
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt	—			15,598			322			—			15,920
Short-term borrowings	55,100			220,000			—			—			275,100
Payables to affiliates	—			580			23,508			(24,088		)	—
Accounts payable	—			90,561			3,394			—			93,955
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	271			104,002			1,711			—			105,984
Total current liabilities	55,371			430,741			28,935			(24,088		)	490,959
Unamortized investment tax credits	—			1,724			—			—			1,724
Deferred income taxes	1,652			189,004			2,424			(134		)	192,946
Pension and postretirement benefits other than pensions	—			252,141			—			—			252,141
Regulatory and other liabilities	—			220,779			3,348			—			224,127
Advances for construction	—			181,979			523			—			182,502
Contributions in aid of construction	—			154,321			32,400			—			186,721
TOTAL CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES	$	750,485		$	2,571,941		$	172,559		$	(754,610	)	$	2,740,375

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CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME

For the three months ended June 30, 2018

(In thousands)



	Parent Company			Cal Water			All Other Subsidiaries			Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
Operating revenue	$	—		$	162,296		$	10,336		$	—		$	172,632
Operating expenses:
Operations:
Water production costs	—			63,209			2,164			—			65,373
Administrative and general	—			22,047			2,336			—			24,383
Other operations	—			19,138			1,732			(146		)	20,724
Maintenance	—			5,192			197			—			5,389
Depreciation and amortization	24			19,664			1,286			(21		)	20,953
Income tax (benefit) expense	(122		)	3,940			328			201			4,347
Property and other taxes	—			5,682			725			—			6,407
Total operating (income) expenses	(98		)	138,872			8,768			34			147,576
Net operating income	98			23,424			1,568			(34		)	25,056
Other income and expenses:
Non-regulated revenue	557			4,739			252			(703		)	4,845
Non-regulated expenses	—			(5,975		)	(140		)	—			(6,115		)
Other components of net periodic benefit cost	—			(2,337		)	(126		)	—			(2,463		)
Allowance for equity funds used during construction	—			710			—			—			710
Income tax (expense) benefit on other income and expenses	(156		)	783			(5		)	197			819
Net other income (loss)	401			(2,080		)	(19		)	(506		)	(2,204		)
Interest:
Interest expense	411			9,718			562			(557		)	10,134
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction	—			(270		)	(34		)	—			(304		)
Net interest expense	411			9,448			528			(557		)	9,830
Equity earnings of subsidiaries	12,934			—			—			(12,934		)	—
Net income	$	13,022		$	11,896		$	1,021		$	(12,917	)	$	13,022

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CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME

For the three months ended June 30, 2017

(In thousands)



	Parent Company			Cal Water			All Other Subsidiaries			Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
Operating revenue	$	—		$	161,174		$	9,958		$	—		$	171,132
Operating expenses:
Operations:
Water production costs	—			62,089			2,042			—			64,131
Administrative and general	—			18,907			2,506			—			21,413
Other operations	—			16,729			1,725			(126		)	18,328
Maintenance	—			4,509			199			—			4,708
Depreciation and amortization	26			18,102			1,113			(23		)	19,218
Income tax (benefit) expense	(123		)	10,012			454			263			10,606
Property and other taxes	—			5,315			742			—			6,057
Total operating (income) expenses	(97		)	135,663			8,781			114			144,461
Net operating income	97			25,511			1,177			(114		)	26,671
Other income and expenses:
Non-regulated revenue	496			3,469			396			(622		)	3,739
Non-regulated expenses	—			(1,428		)	(186		)	—			(1,614		)
Other components of net periodic benefit cost	—			(2,240		)	(143		)	—			(2,383		)
Allowance for equity funds used during construction	—			879			—			—			879
Income tax expense on other income and expenses	(202		)	(278		)	(19		)	253			(246		)
Net other income	294			402			48			(369		)	375
Interest:
Interest expense	275			8,795			505			(496		)	9,079
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction	—			(542		)	(22		)	—			(564		)
Net interest expense	275			8,253			483			(496		)	8,515
Equity earnings of subsidiaries	18,415			—			—			(18,415		)	—
Net income	$	18,531		$	17,660		$	742		$	(18,402	)	$	18,531

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CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME

For the six months ended June 30, 2018

(In thousands)



	Parent Company			Cal Water			All Other Subsidiaries			Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
Operating revenue	$	—		$	285,866		$	19,013		$	—		$	304,879
Operating expenses:
Operations:
Water production costs	—			108,832			4,147			—			112,979
Administrative and general	—			45,653			5,049			—			50,702
Other operations	—			35,355			3,301			(292		)	38,364
Maintenance	—			10,436			392			—			10,828
Depreciation and amortization	47			39,277			2,387			(43		)	41,668
Income tax (benefit) expense	(200		)	3,600			320			398			4,118
Property and other taxes	—			11,689			1,422			—			13,111
Total operating (income) expenses	(153		)	254,842			17,018			63			271,770
Net operating income	153			31,024			1,995			(63		)	33,109
Other income and expenses:
Non-regulated revenue	1,088			8,983			572			(1,379		)	9,264
Non-regulated expenses	—			(11,268		)	(284		)	—			(11,552		)
Other components of net periodic benefit cost	—			(4,784		)	(225		)	—			(5,009		)
Allowance for equity funds used during construction	—			1,621			—			—			1,621
Income tax (expense) benefit on other income and expenses	(304		)	1,524			(29		)	386			1,577
Net other income (loss)	784			(3,924		)	34			(993		)	(4,099		)
Interest:
Interest expense	669			18,652			1,099			(1,088		)	19,332
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction	—			(728		)	(71		)	—			(799		)
Net interest expense	669			17,924			1,028			(1,088		)	18,533
Equity earnings of subsidiaries	10,209			—			—			(10,209		)	—
Net income	$	10,477		$	9,176		$	1,001		$	(10,177	)	$	10,477

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CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME

For the six months ended June 30, 2017

(In thousands)



	Parent Company			Cal Water			All Other Subsidiaries			Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
Operating revenue	$	—		$	274,516		$	18,652		$	—		$	293,168
Operating expenses:
Operations:
Water production costs	—			102,278			3,921			—			106,199
Administrative and general	—			39,028			5,131			—			44,159
Other operations	—			31,129			3,575			(252		)	34,452
Maintenance	—			10,415			405			—			10,820
Depreciation and amortization	49			36,213			2,203			(46		)	38,419
Income tax (benefit) expense	(226		)	9,066			362			520			9,722
Property and other taxes	(4		)	10,727			1,450			—			12,173
Total operating (income) expenses	(181		)	238,856			17,047			222			255,944
Net operating income	181			35,660			1,605			(222		)	37,224
Other income and expenses:
Non-regulated revenue	977			6,604			850			(1,230		)	7,201
Non-regulated expenses	—			(3,175		)	(493		)	—			(3,668		)
Other components of net periodic benefit cost	—			(4,595		)	(291		)	—			(4,886		)
Allowance for equity funds used during construction	—			1,658			—			—			1,658
Income tax expense on other income and expenses	(398		)	(1,161		)	(77		)	501			(1,135		)
Net other income (loss)	579			(669		)	(11		)	(729		)	(830		)
Interest:
Interest expense	510			17,265			991			(977		)	17,789
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction	—			(1,018		)	(40		)	—			(1,058		)
Net interest expense	510			16,247			951			(977		)	16,731
Equity earnings of subsidiaries	19,413			—			—			(19,413		)	—
Net income	$	19,663		$	18,744		$	643		$	(19,387	)	$	19,663

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CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

For the six months ended June 30, 2018

(In thousands)



	Parent Company			Cal Water			All Other Subsidiaries			Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
Operating activities:
Net income	$	10,477		$	9,176		$	1,001		$	(10,177	)	$	10,477
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Equity earnings of subsidiaries	(10,209		)	—			—			10,209			—
Dividends received from affiliates	18,017			—			—			(18,017		)	—
Depreciation and amortization	47			40,146			2,432			(43		)	42,582
Changes in value of life insurance contracts	—			817			—			—			817
Allowance for equity funds used during construction	—			(1,621		)	—			—			(1,621		)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities	(417		)	(16,439		)	467			—			(16,389		)
Other changes in noncurrent assets and liabilities	1,610			11,653			431			11			13,705
Net cash provided by operating activities	19,525			43,732			4,331			(18,017		)	49,571
Investing activities:
Utility plant expenditures	—			(128,683		)	(5,217		)	—			(133,900		)
Changes in affiliate advances	58			3,323			(194		)	(3,187		)	—
Issuance of affiliate short-term borrowings	(3,700		)	—			—			3,700			—
Reduction of affiliates long-term debt	818			—			—			(818		)	—
Life insurance proceeds	—			2,054			—			—			2,054
Purchase of life insurance contracts	—			(2,054		)	—			—			(2,054		)
Net cash used in investing activities	(2,824		)	(125,360		)	(5,411		)	(305		)	(133,900		)
Financing Activities:
Short-term borrowings	—			111,000			—			—			111,000
Repayment of short-term borrowings	—			(61,000		)	—			—			(61,000		)
Changes in affiliate advances	—			129			(3,316		)	3,187			—
Proceeds from affiliate short-term borrowings	—			—			3,700			(3,700		)	—
Repayment of affiliates long-term borrowings	—			—			(818		)	818			—
Repayment of long-term debt	—			(12,136		)	(128		)	—			(12,264		)
Advances and contributions in aid of construction	—			8,029			356			—			8,385
Refunds of advances for construction	—			(3,489		)	(9		)	—			(3,498		)
Repurchase of common stock	(1,364		)	—			—			—			(1,364		)
Dividends paid to non-affiliates	(18,017		)	—			—			—			(18,017		)
Dividends paid to affiliates	—			(17,330		)	(687		)	18,017			—
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(19,381		)	25,203			(902		)	18,322			23,242
Change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	(2,680		)	(56,425		)	(1,982		)	—			(61,087		)
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period	4,728			81,453			9,171			—			95,352
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period	$	2,048		$	25,028		$	7,189		—			$	34,265

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CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

For the six months ended June 30, 2017

(In thousands)



	Parent Company			Cal Water			All Other Subsidiaries			Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
Operating activities:
Net income	$	19,663		$	18,744		$	643		$	(19,387	)	$	19,663
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Equity earnings of subsidiaries	(19,413		)	—			—			19,413			—
Dividends received from affiliates	17,278			—			—			(17,278		)	—
Depreciation and amortization	47			37,074			2,253			(46		)	39,328
Changes in value of life insurance contracts	—			(1,208		)	—			—			(1,208		)
Allowance for equity funds used during construction	—			(1,658		)	—			—			(1,658		)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities	(172		)	(40,755		)	841			—			(40,086		)
Other changes in noncurrent assets and liabilities	1,520			17,650			497			20			19,687
Net cash provided by operating activities	18,923			29,847			4,234			(17,278		)	35,726
Investing activities:
Utility plant expenditures	—			(105,684		)	(3,028		)	—			(108,712		)
Changes in affiliate advances	429			2,491			(138		)	(2,782		)	—
Issuance of affiliate short-term borrowings	(2,610		)	—			—			2,610			—
Reduction of affiliates long-term debt	668			—			—			(668		)	—
Life insurance proceeds	—			450			—			—			450
Purchase of life insurance contracts	—			(1,216		)	—			—			(1,216		)
Net cash used in investing activities	(1,513		)	(103,959		)	(3,166		)	(840		)	(109,478		)
Financing Activities:
Short-term borrowings	—			140,000			—			—			140,000
Repayment of short-term borrowings	(2,000		)	(45,000		)	—			—			(47,000		)
Changes in affiliate advances	—			(238		)	(2,544		)	2,782			—
Proceeds from affiliate short-term borrowings	—			—			2,610			(2,610		)	—
Repayment of affiliates long-term borrowings	—			—			(668		)	668			—
Repayment of long-term debt	—			(2,161		)	(246		)	—			(2,407		)
Advances and contributions in aid for construction	—			10,225			87			—			10,312
Refunds of advances for construction	—			(4,430		)	—			—			(4,430		)
Repurchase of common stock	(1,236		)	—			—			—			(1,236		)
Dividends paid to non-affiliates	(17,278		)	—			—			—			(17,278		)
Dividends paid to affiliates	—			(16,484		)	(794		)	17,278			—
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(20,514		)	81,912			(1,555		)	18,118			77,961
Change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	(3,104		)	7,800			(487		)	—			4,209
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period	5,216			13,595			7,124			—			25,935
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period	$	2,112		$	21,395		$	6,637		—			$	30,144

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Item 2

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

This quarterly report, including all documents incorporated by reference, contains forward-looking statements within the meaning established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements in this quarterly report are based on currently available information, expectations, estimates, assumptions and projections, and our management’s beliefs, assumptions, judgments and expectations about us, the water utility industry and general economic conditions. These statements are not statements of historical fact. When used in our documents, statements that are not historical in nature, including words like “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “may,” “estimates,” “assumes,” “anticipates,” “projects,” “predicts,” “forecasts,” “should,” “seeks,” or variations of these words or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. They are based on numerous assumptions that we believe are reasonable, but they are open to a wide range of uncertainties and business risks. Consequently, actual results may vary materially from what is contained in a forward-looking statement.

Factors which may cause actual results to be different than those expected or anticipated include, but are not limited to:


•	governmental and regulatory commissions’ decisions, including decisions on proper disposition of property;


•	consequences of eminent domain actions relation to our water systems;


•	changes in regulatory commissions’ policies and procedures;


•	the timeliness of regulatory commissions’ actions concerning rate relief;


•	inability to renew leases to operate city water systems on beneficial terms;


•	changes in California State Water Resources Control Board water quality standards;


•	changes in environmental compliance and water quality requirements;


•	electric power interruptions;


•	housing and customer growth trends;


•	the impact of opposition to rate increases;


•	our ability to recover costs;


•	availability of water supplies;


•	issues with the implementation, maintenance or security of our information technology systems;


•	civil disturbances or terrorist threats or acts, or apprehension about the possible future occurrences of acts of this type;


•	labor relations matters as we negotiate with the unions;


•	restrictive covenants in or changes to the credit ratings on current or future debt that could increase financing costs or affect the ability to borrow, make payments on debt, or pay dividends;


•	changes in customer water use patterns and the effects of conservation;


•	the impact of weather, climate, natural disasters, and diseases on water quality, water availability, water sales and operating results;


•	the risks set forth in “Risk Factors” included in the Company's annual report on 2017 Form 10-K.

In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this quarterly report or as of the date of any document incorporated by reference in this report, as applicable. When considering forward-looking statements, investors should keep in mind the cautionary statements in this quarterly report and the documents incorporated by reference. We are not under any obligation, and we expressly disclaim any obligation, to update or alter any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

We maintain our accounting records in accordance with GAAP and as directed by the Commissions to which our operations are subject. The process of preparing financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires the use of estimates on the part of management. The estimates used by management are based on historic experience and an understanding of current facts and circumstances. Management believes that the following accounting policies are critical because they involve a higher degree of complexity and judgment, and can have a material impact on our results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows of the business. These policies and their key characteristics are discussed in detail in the 2017 Form 10-K. They include:


•	revenue recognition;


•	regulated utility accounting;


•	income taxes;


•	pension and postretirement health care benefits;

For the six month period ended June 30, 2018, except for changes to revenue recognition from the adoption of ASC 606 (see Note 2), there were no changes in the methodology for computing critical accounting estimates, no additional accounting estimates met the standards for critical accounting policies, and there were no material changes to the important assumptions underlying the critical accounting estimates.

RESULTS OF SECOND QUARTER 2018 OPERATIONS

COMPARED TO SECOND QUARTER 2017 OPERATIONS

Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated

Overview

Net income for the three month period ended June 30, 2018, was $13.0 million or $0.27 earnings per diluted common share compared to net income of $18.5 million or $0.39 earnings per diluted common share for the three month period ended June 30, 2017. The $5.5 million decrease in net income was driven primarily by $3.6 million of new business development expenses, a reduction in operating revenue of $1.7 million due to the cost of capital decision for Cal Water, $1.7 million in additional depreciation and amortization costs, $1.2 million in additional wage costs, a $0.7 million increase in maintenance expense, and $1.3 million in additional interest expenses, which were partially offset by rate increases of $4.5 million. In addition, there were other changes driven primarily by factors outside the Company’s immediate control that decreased net income, including a $2.5 million reduction in unbilled revenue accrual, a $0.6 million reduction in unrealized income from certain benefit plan investments due to market conditions, and a $0.4 million decrease in gain on sale of property that was partially offset by a $1.1 million benefit from Company-owned life insurance.

Operating Revenue

Operating revenue increased $1.5 million, or 0.9%, to $172.6 million in the second quarter of 2018 as compared to the second quarter of 2017. The factors that impacted the operating revenue for the second quarter of 2018 as compared to the second quarter of 2017 are as follows:



Net change due to rate changes, usage, and other (1)	$	(665	)
MCBA Revenue (2)	(502		)
Other balancing account revenue (3)	929
Deferral of revenue (4)	1,738
Net operating revenue increase	$	1,500


1.	The net change due to rate changes, usage, and other in the above table was mainly driven by a $4.5 million reduction in revenue as a result of the impacts of recognizing the cost of capital and tax accounting memorandum accounts and a $2.5 million decrease in accrued unbilled revenue, partially offset by rate increases of $5.8 million. The components of the rate increases are as follows:

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General rate case	32
Escalation rate increases	3,954
Purchased water and pump tax offset increases	1,348
Rate base offset increases	527
Total increase in rates	$	5,829


2.	The MCBA revenue decrease resulted from an increase in adopted water production costs relative to actual water production costs in the second quarter of 2018 as compared to the second quarter of 2017. As required by the MCBA mechanism, the increase in adopted water production costs relative to actual water production costs in California also decreased operating revenue for the same amount.

The other balancing account revenue consists of the pension, conservation and health care balancing account revenues. Pension and conservation balancing account revenues are the differences between actual expenses and adopted rate recovery. Health care balancing account revenue is 85% of the difference between actual health care expenses and adopted rate recovery. The increase in revenue was mainly due to an increase in actual pension expenses relative to adopted in the second quarter of 2018 as compared to the second quarter of 2017.

The deferral of revenue consists of amounts that are expected to be collected from customers beyond 24 months following the end of the accounting period in which these revenues were recorded. The deferral decreased in the second quarter of 2018 as compared to the second quarter of 2017 due to a decrease in the balancing account revenue expected to be collected beyond 24 months, which increases revenue.

Total Operating Expenses

Total operating expenses increased $3.1 million, or 2.2%, to $147.6 million in the second quarter of 2018, as compared to $144.5 million in the second quarter of 2017.

Water production costs consists of purchased water, purchased power, and pump taxes. It represents the largest component of total operating expenses, accounting for approximately 44.3% of total operating expenses in the second quarter of 2018, as compared to 44.4% of total operating expenses in the second quarter of 2017. Water production costs increased 1.9% as compared to the same period last year mainly due to a 3.2% increase in water production and higher wholesaler water rates.

Sources of water as a percent of total water production are listed in the following table:



	Three Months Ended June 30
	2018		2017
Well production	48	%	48	%
Purchased	47	%	47	%
Surface	5	%	5	%
Total	100	%	100	%

The components of water production costs are shown in the table below:



	Three Months Ended June 30
	2018		2017		Change
Purchased water	$	53,961	$	53,322	$	639
Purchased power	7,819		7,601		218
Pump taxes	3,593		3,208		385
Total	$	65,373	$	64,131	$	1,242

Administrative and general and other operations expenses increased $5.4 million to $45.1 million in the second quarter of 2018, as compared to $39.7 million in the second quarter of 2017. The increase was due primarily to a $1.4 million increase in the recognition of previously deferred costs associated with the deferred operating revenue, pension benefit cost increase of $1.4 million, employee wage cost increase of $1.0 million, an increase in water quality testing costs of $0.3 million due to TCP, and the write-off of $0.3 million of costs that were previously capitalized. Changes in employee

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pension benefit costs for regulated California operations do not affect net income, because the Company is authorized to track these costs in balancing accounts for future recovery, which create a corresponding change to operating revenue. At June 30, 2018, there were 1,171 employees and at June 30, 2017, there were 1,157 employees.

Maintenance expense increased $0.7 million, or 14.5%, to $5.4 million in the second quarter of 2018, as compared to $4.7 million in the second quarter of 2017, mostly due to decreases in transmission and distribution mains repairs.

Depreciation and amortization expense increased $1.8 million, or 9.0%, to $21.0 million in the second quarter of 2018, as compared to $19.2 million in the second quarter of 2017, due to 2017 capital additions.

Income taxes decreased $6.3 million, to $4.3 million in the second quarter of 2018, as compared to $10.6 million in the second quarter of 2017. The decrease was mainly due to the federal income tax rate reduction from 35% to 21%, effective January 1, 2018, and a decrease in operating income. The Company’s estimated combined effective income tax rate for 2018 is in the range from 23% to 25%.

Property and other taxes increased $0.3 million, or 5.8%, to $6.4 million in the second quarter of 2018, as compared to $6.1 million in the second quarter of 2017, mostly due to an increase in assessed property values in 2017 and increased local franchise taxes.

Other Income and Expenses

Net other loss increased $2.6 million to a net other loss of $2.2 million in the second quarter of 2018, as compared to a net other income of $0.4 million in the second quarter of 2017, principally due to $3.6 million of new business development expenses, a $0.6 million reduction in unrealized income from certain benefit plan investments due to market conditions, and a $0.4 million decrease in gain on sale of property that was partially offset by a $1.1 million benefit from Company-owned life insurance.

Interest Expense

Net interest expense increased $1.3 million, or 15.4%, to $9.8 million in the second quarter of 2018, as compared to $8.5 million in the second quarter of 2017. The increase was due primarily to an increase in short-term financing for capital investments as well as increased short-term interest rates.

RESULTS OF THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2018 OPERATIONS

COMPARED TO THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2017 OPERATIONS

Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated

Overview

Net income for the six months ended June 30, 2018, was $10.5 million or $0.22 per diluted common share compared to a net income of $19.7 million or $0.41 per diluted common share for the six months ended June 30, 2017, a decrease of $9.2 million. The decrease in net income was primarily due to $3.9 million of new business development expenses, a reduction in operating revenue of $2.8 million due to the cost of capital decision for Cal Water, $3.2 million in additional depreciation and amortization costs, $2.5 million in additional employee wage costs, a $0.7 million increase in uninsured loss costs due to water main breaks, and $1.8 million in additional interest expenses which were partially offset by rate increases of $9.2 million. In addition, there were other changes driven primarily by factors outside the Company’s immediate control that decreased net income, including a $3.2 million reduction in unbilled revenue accrual, a $2.0 million reduction in unrealized income from certain benefit plan investments due to market conditions, and a $0.6 million decrease in gain on sale of property that was partially offset by a $1.1 million benefit from Company-owned life insurance.

Operating Revenue

Operating revenue increased $11.7 million, or 4.0%, to $304.9 million in the first six months of 2018 as compared to the first six months of 2017. The factors that impacted the operating revenue for the first six months of 2018 as compared to 2017 are as follows:



Net change due to rate changes, usage, and other (1)	$	2,157
MCBA Revenue (2)	3,675
Other balancing account revenue (3)	2,224
Deferral of revenue (4)	3,655
Net operating revenue increase	$	11,711

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1.	The net change due to rate changes, usage, and other in the above table was mainly driven by rate increases of $11.6 million, partially offset by a $7.6 million reduction in revenue as a result of the impacts of recognizing the cost of capital and tax accounting memorandum accounts and a $3.2 million decrease in accrued unbilled revenue. The components of the rate increases are as follows:



General rate case	$	1,771
Escalation rate increases	6,371
Purchased water and pump tax offset increases	2,415
Rate base offset increases	1,089
Total increase in rates	$	11,646

The MCBA revenue increase resulted from an increase in actual water production costs relative to adopted water production costs in the first six months of 2018 as compared to the first six months of 2017. The actual water production costs increased as a result of an increase in customer consumption in the first six months of 2018 as compared to the first six months of 2017. As required by the MCBA mechanism, the increase in actual water production costs relative to adopted water production costs in California also increased operating revenue for the same amount.

The other balancing account revenue consists of the pension, conservation and health care balancing account revenues. Pension and conservation balancing account revenues are the differences between actual expenses and adopted rate recovery. Health care balancing account revenue is 85% of the difference between actual health care expenses and adopted rate recovery. The increase in revenue was mainly due to an increase in actual health care and pension expenses relative to adopted in the first six months of 2018 as compared to the first six months of 2017, which was partially offset by a decrease in actual conservation expenses relative to adopted in the first six months of 2018 as compared to the first six months of 2017.

The deferral of revenue consists of amounts that are expected to be collected from customers beyond 24 months following the end of the accounting period in which these revenues were recorded. The deferral decreased in the first six months of 2018 as compared to the first six months of 2017 due to decrease in the balancing account revenue expected to be collected beyond 24 months, which increases revenue.

Total Operating Expenses

Total operating expenses increased $15.9 million, or 6.2%, to $271.8 million in the first six months of 2018, as compared to $255.9 million in the first six months of 2017.

Water production costs consists of purchased water, purchased power, and pump taxes. It represents the largest component of total operating expenses, accounting for approximately 41.6% of total operating expenses in the first six months of 2018, as compared to 41.5% of total operating expenses in the first six months of 2017. Water production costs increased 6.4% as compared to the same period last year mainly due to an increase in wholesaler rates and an increase of 5.8% in water production.

Sources of water as a percent of total water production are listed in the following table:



	Six Months Ended June 30
	2018		2017
Well production	47	%	48	%
Purchased	48	%	47	%
Surface	5	%	5	%
Total	100	%	100	%

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The components of water production costs are shown in the table below:



	Six Months Ended June 30
	2018		2017		Change
Purchased water	$	92,484	$	87,690	$	4,794
Purchased power	13,342		12,509		833
Pump taxes	7,153		6,000		1,153
Total	$	112,979	$	106,199	$	6,780

Administrative and general and other operations expenses increased $10.5 million, or 13.3%, to $89.1 million in the first six months of 2018, as compared to $78.6 million in the first six months of 2017. The increase was due primarily to a $3.0 million increase in the recognition of previously deferred costs associated with the deferred operating revenue, pension benefit cost increase of $2.5 million, employee wage cost increase of $1.7 million, employee health care cost increase of $0.7 million, additional uninsured loss expenses of $0.7 million, and building maintenance and security cost increase of $0.5 million. Changes in employee pension and employee and retiree medical costs for regulated California operations do not affect net income, because the Company tracks these costs in balancing accounts for future recovery, which create corresponding changes to operating revenue.

Depreciation and amortization expense increased $3.3 million, or 8.5%, to $41.7 million in the first six months of 2018, as compared to $38.4 million in the first six months of 2017, mostly due to 2017 utility plant additions.

Income taxes decreased $5.6 million, or 57.6%, to $4.1 million in the first six months of 2018, as compared to $9.7 million in the first six months of 2017. The decrease was mainly due to the federal income tax rate reduction from 35% to 21%, effective January 1, 2018, and a decrease in operating income. The Company’s estimated combined effective income tax rate for 2018 is in the range from 23% to 25%.

Property and other taxes increased $0.9 million, or 7.7%, to $13.1 million in the first six months of 2018, as compared to $12.2 million in the first six months of 2017, due primarily to an increase in assessed property values in 2017 and increased local franchise taxes.

Other Income and Expenses

Net other loss increased $3.3 million to $4.1 million in the first six months of 2018, as compared to net other loss of $0.8 million in the first six months of 2017, due primarily to $3.9 million of new business development expenses, a $2.0 million reduction in unrealized income from certain benefit plan investments due to market conditions, and a $0.6 million decrease in gain on sale of property that was partially offset by a $1.1 million benefit from Company-owned life insurance.

Interest Expense

Net interest expense increased $1.8 million, or 10.8%, to $18.5 million in the first six months of 2018, as compared to $16.7 million in the first six months of 2017. The increase was due primarily to an increase in short-term financing for capital investments as well as increased short-term interest rates.

REGULATORY MATTERS

2018 California Regulatory Activity

California GRC filing

On December 15, 2016, the CPUC voted to approve Cal Water's 2015 GRC settlement agreement. The approved decision, which was proposed by the presiding Administrative Law Judge in November 2016, authorized Cal Water to increase gross revenue by approximately $45.0 million starting on January 1, 2017, up to $17.2 million in 2018, up to $16.3 million in 2019, and up to $30.0 million upon completion and approval of the Company’s advice letter projects. The 2019 revenue increases are subject to the CPUC’s earnings test protocol.

The CPUC’s decision also authorized Cal Water to invest $658.8 million in water system improvements throughout California over the three-year period of 2016-2018 in order to continue to provide safe and reliable water to its customers. This figure includes $197.3 million of water system infrastructure improvements that will be subject to the CPUC’s advice letter procedure.

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The CPUC follows a rate case plan, which requires Cal Water to file a GRC for each of its regulated operating districts (except Grand Oaks) every three years. In a GRC proceeding, the CPUC not only considers the utility's rate setting requests, but may also consider other issues that affect the utility's rates and operations. The CPUC is generally required to issue its GRC decision prior to the first day of the test year or authorize interim rates.

On July 2, 2018, Cal Water filed a GRC requesting new water infrastructure investments of $828.5 million in accordance with the rate case plan for all of its regulated operating districts for the years 2019, 2020, and 2021. The CPUC will evaluate the new water infrastructure improvement investments along with operating budgets to establish water rates that reflect the actual cost of service. The required filing begins an approximately 18-month review process, with any changes in customer rates expected to become effective in 2020. Cal Water has proposed to the CPUC to increase revenues by $50.7 million, or 7.6%, in 2020; $31.5 million, or 4.4%, in 2021; and $33.0 million, or 4.4%, in 2022 as compared to the last authorized revenue. In 75% of Cal Water’s service areas, the utility is proposing infrastructure improvements that will cost the typical residential customer less than $5 per month, and in 90% of service areas, the proposed increase is less than $6 per month. More than half of Cal Water’s proposed $828.5 million of new infrastructure improvements relate to its transmission and distribution pipeline replacement program, and all are necessary to enhance reliability, augment water supply, and upgrade aging water system infrastructure. The plans also reflect Cal Water's aggressive cost-control measures to reduce operating and administrative costs.

Cost of Capital Application

In April of 2017, Cal Water, along with three other water utilities, filed an application to adopt a new cost of capital and capital structure for 2018. On March 22. 2018, the CPUC adopted a revised decision in the cost of capital proceeding for Cal Water and three other water utilities for the years 2018, 2019, and 2020, establishing for Cal Water a 9.20% return on equity and a 5.51% cost of debt, with a capital structure of 46.60% long-term debt and 53.40% common equity, and an authorized return on rate base of 7.48%, compared with Cal Water’s prior return on equity of 9.43%, cost of debt of 6.24%, and authorized return on rate base of 7.94%. The adopted capital structure did not change. The adopted returns on debt and equity will reduce Cal Water’s 2018 adopted revenue by approximately $6.9 million. The CPUC also authorized continuation of the water cost of capital adjustment mechanism, which provides for an adjustment in the return on equity if the cost of long-term debt as defined by an index of utility debt rates varies from the most recent index by 100 basis points or more in 2019 and 2020.

On March 30, 2018, Cal Water submitted an advice letter that established the Cost of Capital Memorandum Account (CoC MA) to track the difference between current rates and rates based upon the new cost of capital adopted by the CPUC as if the new cost of capital had been in effect beginning January 1, 2018. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, Cal Water recorded a $1.7 million and $2.8 million, respectively, reduction to revenue with a corresponding regulatory liability due to the CoC MA.

In May of 2018, Cal Water submitted an advice letter to adopt the new cost of capital and capital structure for 2018 in customer rates. The annual adopted gross revenue reduction associated with the May 2018 filing was $6.9 million. The new rates became effective on July 1, 2018.

2018 Tax Accounting Memorandum Account (TAMA)

On December 22, 2017, the CPUC sent a letter to All Class A and B Water and Sewer Utilities on the subject of “Changes in Federal Tax Rates for 2018.” The CPUC required Cal Water to establish a memo account to track the impact of the TCJA on Cal Water. The TAMA will track the revenue requirement impact of the TCJA not otherwise reflected in rates from January 1, 2018 until current rates are modified to reflect all impacts of the TCJA. The Hawaii Water, Washington Water, and New Mexico Water Commissions have similar requirements to track the impact of the changes to the federal tax law. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, the Company recorded a $2.8 million and $4.8 million, respectively, reduction to revenue with a corresponding regulatory liability due to the changes required by the TCJA.

In May of 2018, Cal Water submitted an advice letter to adopt the new federal corporate income tax rate in customer rates. The annual adopted gross revenue reduction associated with the May 2018 filing was $11.1 million. The new rates became effective on July 1, 2018.

Escalation increase requests

As a part of the decision on the 2015 GRC, Cal Water was authorized to request annual escalation rate increases for 2018 for those districts that passed the earnings test. In November of 2017, Cal Water requested escalation rate increases in all of its regulated districts. The annual adopted gross revenue associated with the November 2017 filing was $15.9 million. The new rates became effective on January 1, 2018.

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WRAM and MCBA filings

In April of 2018, Cal Water submitted an advice letter to true up the revenue under-collections in the 2017 annual WRAMs/MCBAs of its regulated districts. A net under-collection of $50.1 million is being recovered from customers in the form of 12, 18, and greater-than-18-month surcharges. The new rates became effective April 15, 2018. This surcharge is in addition to surcharges/surcredits authorized in prior years which have not yet expired.

Expense Offset filings

Expense offsets are dollar-for-dollar increases in revenue to match increased expenses, and therefore do not affect net operating income. In October of 2017, Cal Water submitted advice letters to request offsets for increases in purchased water costs and pump taxes in five of its regulated districts totaling $2.2 million. The new rates became effective on January 1, 2018.

In May and June of 2018, Cal Water submitted advice letters to request offsets for increases in purchased water costs and pump taxes in five of its regulated districts totaling $3.8 million. The new rates became effective on July 1, 2018.

Rate base Offset filings

For construction projects that are authorized in GRCs as advice letter projects, companies are allowed to file rate base offsets to increase revenues after the plant is placed into service. In November of 2017, Cal Water submitted an advice letter to recover $1.4 million of annual revenue increase for a rate base offset in one of its regulated districts. The new rates became effective on January 1, 2018.

During the first six months of 2018, Cal Water submitted advice letters to recover $2.1 million of annual revenue increases for rate base offsets in all of its regulated districts. The new rates became effective on July 1, 2018.

California Drought Memorandum Account

In March of 2018, Cal Water submitted an advice letter to request recovery of 2016 and 2017 incremental drought expenses of $3.2 million. The advice letter requires a Commission resolution and Cal Water may recover less than the requested amount. Cal Water anticipates a decision on the matter by the end of 2018.

Travis Air Force Base

On September 29, 2016, Cal Water entered into a 50-year agreement with the U.S. Department of Defense to acquire the water distribution assets of and distribute water to most of Travis Air Force Base beginning in 2018. On May 31, 2017, Cal Water submitted an application to the CPUC seeking approval to distribute water service to most of the base and to establish rates for its service.

The water system utilizes surface water treated at a water treatment plant and groundwater from five wells, and includes distribution piping, storage tanks, hydrants, and other appurtenances to serve about 15,280 active and reserve personnel and civilians on the 6,400-acre base. If approved, Cal Water will make initial capital improvements of about $12.7 million, with an anticipated capital investment of about $52.0 million over the 50-year term of the utility service contract. Cal Water included an infrastructure improvement plan for the proposed regulated Travis district in Cal Water’s July 2, 2018 GRC filing, proposing a revenue increase of $4.7 million over the years 2020, 2021, and 2022.

2018 Regulatory Activity—Other States

2017 Waikoloa (Hawaii Water) GRC Filings

In December of 2017, Hawaii Water filed GRC applications requesting an additional $3.8 million in annual revenues for its Waikoloa Village and Resort Systems with the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission. The GRCs seek recovery of capital investments in the Waikoloa Village and Waikoloa Resort Systems as well as increases in operating expenses since the previous rate case. If approved, the Company anticipates rates would become effective in the fourth quarter of 2018.

2018 Washington Water GRC Filing

On July 2, 2018, Washington Water submitted a GRC application to the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) to increase revenues to cover the higher costs of providing a reliable, high-quality water supply. The application requests an increase of $1.6 million in annual revenue, which is an increase of 13.8% over 2017 revenue. Washington Water is requesting recovery for numerous water system upgrades and additions that Washington Water has made since its last GRC, which include new pumping equipment, water treatment facilities, wells, water mains, and new storage. Increases in operating costs are also a factor in the proposed increase. The application reflects increases in

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materials, equipment, depreciation expense due to the addition of new facilities, and increases in employee wages and health care costs. If approved, the new rates will become effective on August 1, 2018; however, the UTC has the authority to set final rates that are either lower or higher than Washington Water's request, depending on the results of its investigation.

LIQUIDITY

Cash flow from Operations

Cash flow from operations for the first six months of 2018 was $49.6 million compared to $35.7 million for the same period in 2017. Cash generated by operations varies during the year due to customer billings, and timing of collections and contributions to our benefit plans.

During the first six months of 2018, we made contributions of $16.3 million to our employee pension plan compared to contributions of $14.8 million made during the first six months of 2017. During the first six months of 2018, we made contributions of $2.7 million to the other postretirement benefit plans and no cash contributions were made during the six months ended June 30, 2017. The total 2018 estimated cash contribution to the pension plans is $33.4 million and to the other postretirement benefit plans is $10.1 million.

The water business is seasonal. Billed revenue is lower in the cool, wet winter months when less water is used compared to the warm, dry summer months when water use is highest. This seasonality results in the possible need for short-term borrowings under the bank lines of credit in the event cash is not available to cover operating and utility plant costs during the winter period. The increase in cash flows during the summer allows short-term borrowings to be paid down. Customer water usage can be lower than normal in drought years and when more than normal precipitation falls in our service areas or temperatures are lower than normal, especially in the summer months.

Investing Activities

During the first six months of 2018 and 2017, we used $133.9 million and $108.7 million, respectively, of cash for company-funded and developer-funded utility plant expenditures. The 2018 budget estimates utility plant expenditures to be between $200.0 and $220.0 million. Annual expenditures fluctuate each year due to the availability of construction resources and our ability to obtain construction permits in a timely manner.

Financing Activities

Net cash provided by financing activities was $23.2 million during the first six months of 2018 compared to $78.0 million of net cash provided by financing activities for the same period in 2017.

During the first six months of 2018 and 2017, we borrowed $111.0 million and $140.0 million, respectively, on our unsecured revolving credit facilities. Repayments of unsecured revolving credit facilities borrowings during the first six months of 2018 were $61.0 million and $47.0 million for the same period in 2017. We also repaid $11.8 million of First Mortgage Bonds that matured in the first six months of 2018.

The undercollected net WRAM and MCBA receivable balances were $65.8 million and $54.8 million as of June 30, 2018 and June 30, 2017, respectively. The undercollected balances were primarily financed by Cal Water using short-term and long-term financing arrangements to meet operational cash requirements. Interest on the undercollected balances, the interest recoverable from customers, is limited to the current 90-day commercial paper rates which is significantly lower than Cal Water’s short and long-term financing rates.

Short-term and Long-Term Financing

During the first six months of 2018, we utilized cash generated from operations and borrowings on the unsecured revolving credit facilities to fund operations and capital investments. We did not sell Company common stock during the first six months of 2018 and 2017. In future periods, management anticipates funding our utility plant needs through a relatively balanced approach between debt and equity.

Short-term liquidity is provided by our unsecured revolving credit facilities and internally generated funds. Long-term financing is accomplished through the use of both debt and equity. The Company and subsidiaries that it designates may borrow up to $150.0 million under the Company’s revolving credit facility. Cal Water may borrow up to $300.0 million under its revolving credit facility; however, all borrowings need to be repaid within 24 months unless otherwise authorized by the CPUC. The proceeds from the revolving credit facilities may be used for working capital purposes, including the short-term financing of utility plant projects. The base loan rate may vary from LIBOR plus 72.5 basis points to LIBOR

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plus 95 basis points, depending on the Company’s total capitalization ratio. Likewise, the unused commitment fee may vary from 8 basis points to 12.5 basis points based on the same ratio.

As of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, there were short-term borrowings of $325.1 million and $275.1 million, respectively, outstanding on the unsecured revolving credit facilities.

Given our ability to access our lines of credit on a daily basis, cash balances are managed to levels required for daily cash needs and excess cash is invested in short-term or cash equivalent instruments. Minimal operating levels of cash are maintained for Washington Water, New Mexico Water, and Hawaii Water.

Both short-term credit agreements contain affirmative and negative covenants and events of default customary for credit facilities of this type including, among other things, limitations and prohibitions relating to additional indebtedness, liens, mergers, and asset sales. Also, these unsecured credit agreements contain financial covenants governing the Company and its subsidiaries’ consolidated total capitalization ratio not to exceed 66.7% and an interest coverage ratio of three or more. As of June 30, 2018, we are in compliance with all of the covenant requirements and are eligible to use the full amount of our credit facilities.

Bond principal and other long-term debt payments were $12.3 million during the first six months of 2018 and $2.4 million during the first six months of 2017.

Long-term financing, which includes senior notes, other debt securities, and common stock, has typically been used to replace short-term borrowings and fund utility plant expenditures. Internally generated funds, after making dividend payments, provide positive cash flow, but have not been at a level to meet the needs of our utility plant expenditure requirements. Management expects this trend to continue given our utility plant expenditures plan for the next five years. Some utility plant expenditures are funded by payments received from developers for contributions in aid of construction or advances for construction. Funds received for contributions in aid of construction are non-refundable, whereas funds classified as advances in construction are generally refundable over 40 years. Management believes long-term financing is available to meet our cash flow needs through issuances in both debt and equity instruments.

Dividends

During the first six months of 2018, our quarterly common stock dividend payments were $0.3750 per share compared to $0.3600 during the first six months of 2017. For the full year 2017, the payout ratio was 51% of net income. On a long-term basis, our goal is to achieve a dividend payout ratio of 60% of net income accomplished through future earnings growth.

At the July 25, 2018 meeting, the Company's Board of Directors declared the third quarter dividend of $0.1875 per share payable on August 17, 2018, to stockholders of record on August 6, 2018. This was our 294th consecutive quarterly dividend.

2018 Financing Plan

We intend to fund our utility plant needs in future periods through a relatively balanced approach between long-term debt and equity. The Company and Cal Water have a syndicated unsecured revolving line of credit of $150.0 million and $300.0 million, respectively, for short-term borrowings. As of June 30, 2018, the Company’s and Cal Water’s availability on these unsecured revolving lines of credit was $94.9 million and $30.0 million, respectively.

Book Value and Stockholders of Record

Book value per common share was $14.27 at June 30, 2018 compared to $14.44 at December 31, 2017. There were approximately 1,926 stockholders of record for our common stock as of May 7, 2018.

Utility Plant Expenditures

During the first six months of 2018, utility plant expenditures totaled $133.9 million for company-funded and developer-funded projects. The 2018 budget estimates company-funded utility plant expenditures to be between $200.0 and $220.0 million. The actual amount may vary from the budget number due to timing of actual payments related to current year and prior year projects. We do not control third-party-funded utility plant expenditures and therefore are unable to estimate the amount of such projects for 2018.

As of June 30, 2018, construction work in progress was $210.4 million compared to $167.9 million as of June 30, 2017. Work in progress includes projects that are under construction but not yet complete and placed in service.

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WATER SUPPLY

Our source of supply varies among our operating districts. Certain districts obtain all of their supply from wells; some districts purchase all of their supply from wholesale suppliers; and other districts obtain supply from a combination of wells and wholesale suppliers. A small portion of supply comes from surface sources and is processed through Company-owned water treatment plants. To the best of management's knowledge, we are meeting water quality, environmental, and other regulatory standards for all Company-owned systems.

Historically, approximately 46.5% of our annual water supply is pumped from wells. State groundwater management agencies operate differently in each state. Some of our wells extract ground water from water basins under state ordinances. These are adjudicated groundwater basins, in which a court has settled the dispute between landowners or other parties over how much annual groundwater can be extracted by each party. All of our adjudicated groundwater basins are located in the State of California. Our annual groundwater extraction from adjudicated groundwater basins approximates 6.8 billion gallons or 14.4% of our total annual water supply pumped from wells. Historically, we have extracted less than 100% of our annual adjudicated groundwater rights and have the right to carry forward up to 20% of the unused amount to the next annual period. All of our remaining wells extract ground water from managed or unmanaged water basins. There are no set limits for the ground water extracted from these water basins. Our annual groundwater extraction from managed groundwater basins approximates 28.0 billion gallons or 58.9% of our total annual water supply pumped from wells. Our annual groundwater extraction from unmanaged groundwater basins approximates 12.7 billion gallons or 26.7% of our total annual water supply pumped from wells. Most of the managed groundwater basins we extract water from have groundwater recharge facilities. We are required to pay well pump taxes to financially support these groundwater recharge facilities. Well pump taxes were $3.6 million and $3.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. For the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, well pump taxes were $7.2 million and $6.0 million, respectively. In 2014, the State of California enacted the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act of 2014. The law and its implementing regulations required most basins to select a sustainability agency by 2017, develop a sustainability plan by 2022, and show progress toward sustainability by 2027. We expect that in the future, groundwater will be produced mainly from managed and adjudicated basins.

California's normal weather pattern yields little precipitation between mid-spring and mid-fall. The Washington Water service areas receive precipitation in all seasons, with the heaviest amounts during the winter. New Mexico Water's rainfall is heaviest in the summer monsoon season. Hawaii Water receives precipitation throughout the year, with the largest amounts in the winter months. Water usage in all service areas is highest during the warm and dry summers and declines in the cool winter months. Rain and snow during the winter months in California replenish underground water aquifers and fill reservoirs, providing the water supply for subsequent delivery to customers. As of June 30, 2018, the State of California snowpack water content during the 2017-2018 water year is 79% of long-term averages (per the California Department of Water Resources, Northern Sierra Precipitation Accumulation report). In January of 2014, California's Governor Brown proclaimed a drought emergency and directed State officials to take all necessary actions to make water immediately available. On April 7, 2017, the Governor declared an end to the drought emergency in 54 of California’s 58 counties. Two of Cal Water's districts remain under a declared drought; these were areas where groundwater was impacted by five years of drought conditions. Management believes that supply pumped from underground aquifers and purchased from wholesale suppliers will be adequate to meet customer demand during 2018 and beyond. Long-term water supply plans are developed for each of our districts to help assure an adequate water supply under various operating and supply conditions. Some districts have unique challenges in meeting water quality standards, but management believes that supplies will meet current standards using current treatment processes.

On May 31, 2018, California's Governor Brown signed two bills (Assembly Bill 1668 and Senate Bill 606) into law that will establish long-term standards for water use efficiency. The bills revise and expand the existing urban water management plan requirements to include five year drought risk assessments, water shortage contingency plans, and annual water supply/demand assessments. By June 30, 2022, the California State Water Resources Control Board, in conjunction with the California Department of Water Resources, will establish long-term water use standards for indoor residential use, outdoor residential use, water losses and other uses. Cal Water will also be required to calculate and report an urban water use target by November 1, 2023 and each November 1 thereafter that compares actual urban water use to the target. Management believes that Cal Water is well-positioned to comply with all regulations required of utilities.

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CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

During the six months ended June 30, 2018, there were no other material changes in contractual obligations outside the normal course of business.

Item 3.

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK

We do not hold, trade in or issue derivative financial instruments and therefore are not exposed to risks these instruments present. Our market risk to interest rate exposure is limited because the cost of long-term financing and short-term bank borrowings, including interest costs, is covered in consumer water rates as approved by the Commissions. We do not have foreign operations; therefore, we do not have a foreign currency exchange risk. Our business is sensitive to commodity prices and is most affected by changes in purchased water and purchased power costs.

Historically, the CPUC’s balancing account or offsettable expense procedures allowed for increases in purchased water, pump tax, and purchased power costs to be flowed through to consumers. Traditionally, a significant percentage of our net income and cash flows come from California regulated operations; therefore the CPUC’s actions have a significant impact on our business. See Item 2, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Regulatory Matters.”

Item 4.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(c) under the Exchange Act) that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our CEO and CFO, as appropriate, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and management is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. Accordingly, our disclosure controls and procedures have been designed to provide reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives.

Our management, with the participation of our CEO and our CFO, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of June 30, 2018. Based on that evaluation, we concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level.

(b) Changes to Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There was no change in our internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended June 30, 2018, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.

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PART II OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

From time to time, the Company is involved in various disputes and litigation matters that arise in the ordinary course of business. The status of each significant matter is reviewed and assessed for potential financial exposure. If the potential loss from any claim or legal proceeding is considered probable and the amount of the range of loss can be estimated, a liability is accrued for the estimated loss in accordance with the accounting standards for contingencies. Legal proceedings are subject to uncertainties, and the outcomes are difficult to predict. Because of such uncertainties, accruals are based on the best information available at the time. While the outcome of these disputes and litigation matters cannot be predicted with any certainty, management does not believe when taking into account existing reserves the ultimate resolution of these matters will materially affect the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. In the future, we may be involved in disputes and litigation related to a wide range of matters, including employment, construction, environmental issues and operations. Litigation can be time-consuming and expensive and could divert management’s time and attention from our business. In addition, if we are subject to additional lawsuits or disputes, we might incur significant legal costs and it is uncertain whether we would be able to recover the legal costs from customers or other third parties. For more information refer to note 10.

Item 1A.

RISK FACTORS

There have been no material changes to the Company’s risk factors set forth in Part I, Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year-ended December 31, 2017 filed with the SEC on March 1, 2018.

Item 5.

OTHER INFORMATION

The Company confirmed in a Form 8K filing on April 26, 2018 that it has made a proposal to acquire San Jose Water Group (SJW) for $68.25 per share in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $1.9 billion including the assumption of debt. The proposal represents a 20% premium to SJW’s closing stock price on April 25, 2018 and has been rejected by the SJW Board of Directors.

During the second quarter of 2018, the Company has begun soliciting proxies in opposition to resolutions related to the pending merger between SJW and Connecticut Water Service, Inc. The Company has also commenced a tender offer to acquire all outstanding shares of SJW for $68.25 per share in cash. The offer is scheduled to expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on September 28, 2018.

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Item 6.

EXHIBITS



Exhibit			Description
4			The Company agrees to furnish upon request to the Securities and Exchange Commission a copy of each instrument defining the rights of holders of long-term debt of the Company

10.1			Credit Agreement dated as of March 10, 2015 among California Water Service Group and certain of its subsidiaries from time to time party thereto, as borrowers, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, swing line lender and letter of credit issuer, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith incorporated, as sole lead arranger and sole bookrunner, CoBank, ACB and U.S. Bank National Association, as co-syndication agents, and Bank of China, Los Angeles Branch, as documentation agent, and the other lender parties thereto (Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 11, 2015)

10.2			Credit Agreement dated as of March 10, 2015 among California Water Service Company, as borrower, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, swing line lender and letter of credit issuer, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, as sole lead arranger and sole bookrunner, CoBank, ACB and U.S. Bank National Association, as co-syndication agents, and Bank of China, Los Angeles Branch, as documentation agent, and the other lender parties thereto (Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 11, 2015)

31.1			Chief Executive Officer certification of financial statements pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes- Oxley Act of 2002

31.2			Chief Financial Officer certification of financial statements pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes- Oxley Act of 2002

32			Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes- Oxley Act of 2002

101.INS			XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH			XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.CAL			XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

101.DEF			XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

101.LAB			XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

101.PRE			XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirement of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.



	CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP
	Registrant

July 26, 2018	By:	/s/ Thomas F. Smegal III
		Thomas F. Smegal III
		Vice President,
		Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer